The opinion about more women in politics and public office is shared by men and women, with better than seven in 10 women and more than half of the men in the poll holding that view.

"So often, when the public is looking for change, it's women candidates and women officeholders that they turn to," Walsh said.

Walsh suggested that women in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives seem to have demonstrated the ability to reach across the aisle to keep the dialogue open when a difference arises between parties. She said the poll results should be encouraging for women who are thinking of running for office.

More than eight in 10 in the Gallup poll also indicated that the government would be managed better if more people with business and management experience were in office.